Angola 2025 : Nigeria Claims Two Gold Medals In Boxing, Qualify For Youth Olympics

Angola 2025 : Nigeria Claims Two Gold Medals In Boxing, Qualify For Youth Olympics 

By Niyi Busari 

Team Nigeria’s boxing contingent delivered an impressive performance at the recently concluded 4th African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, emerging as one of the standout teams in the competition, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Under the guidance of experienced coach Anthony Konyegwachie, the Nigerian pugilists showcased skill, discipline, and resilience to secure two gold medals and one bronze, affirming the country’s growing strength in youth boxing.

Nigeria’s lone female boxer at the event, Ayomide Shakirat Mayowa, made a strong statement in the 48kg category, clinching the nation’s first gold medal. She edged Algeria’s Bensallah Bouthenia via a split decision in a keenly contested final, demonstrating remarkable composure and promise.

In the men’s 50kg division, Abijuwon Olalekan Farouq sealed Nigeria’s second gold medal after securing a walkover against Bofenda Mabela of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who failed to make the required weight.

Nigeria’s third medal came through Joshua Solomon in the 70kg category. His campaign ended in the semi-finals following a narrow split-decision loss to host nation boxer Wisdom Pedro of Angola, earning him a well-deserved bronze medal.

As a result of their outstanding performances in Luanda, Ayomide Mayowa (48kg) and Abijuwon Farouq (50kg) have both qualified for the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from October to November 2026.

Reacting to the team’s success, Secretary General of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Vivian Azimene, who led the delegation to Angola, praised the boxers for their dedication and commitment.

She noted that the athletes justified the confidence reposed in them by the NBF Board, the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and Nigerians at large, adding that their performances signal a positive upward trajectory for boxing in the country.

Also speaking, Vice President of the NBF, Hon. Omonlei Imadu, expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian boxing, stating that the current board is determined to reposition the sport through well-structured development programs.

According to Imadu, the achievements in Angola represent only a glimpse of what lies ahead, with comprehensive plans set to take effect from January 2026. He further commended the NSC for its consistent support, stressing that such collaboration is crucial for sustained growth in Nigerian sports.

The Nigeria Boxing contingent returned to Abuja on Saturday and is expected to be hosted to a grand reception in Lagos on Monday by the Nigeria Boxing Federation.